Saint Barnabas Arts Camp has grown each year since its inception in June 2016. This year we will have more than 185 young people participate in this creative, enriching experience at Saint Barnabas. Eighteen of those kids are actually Junior Counselors (JCs) who filled out an application, completed an interview, and already participated in a weekend training session.
JCs are entering 7-10th grade in the fall. Many of them previously participated in Arts Camp as a camper and want to keep coming back. Beginning in January of each year, prospective JCs can complete an online application and provide a reference. Later, they participate in an interview with the Camp Director via Zoom. If they are chosen to serve as a Junior Counselor, they are then asked to engage in a 2-hour training in advance of camp.
In the month of May, we had two in-person training sessions. During these trainings, JCs review expectations and their Code of Conduct. They go over the plan for camp and receive their role assignments. This year, they were able to test out some of the art projects that the campers will be doing during the last two weeks of June. This helps the adult leaders refine the instructions and materials needed for projects. This time together is also an opportunity to get to know each other better.
JCs generally serve one week and support the adult leaders in each of the seven classrooms. The Lead JC ideally volunteers both weeks of camp. This person supports all the other Junior Counselors by writing encouraging notes, texting the JCs group to keep them informed, and moving from class to class where the most help is needed. For the first time ever, we have a JC Content Creator who will work hard to capture the joy of camp in photos and videos. The Content Creator takes their photos and videos and helps to turn them into social media posts and website content.
We are so grateful to these young people for dedicating part of their summer to Saint Barnabas and all the campers at our Arts Camp. Their leadership and modeling ensure that the younger kids are actively engaged in camp activities such as art projects, new songs, drama, and food science. Camp wouldn’t be the same without them!
We still need adult helpers in the afternoon. For more information, click here or contact Sarah Petersen.
